Mental Health Commission of Canada Annual Report 2008-2009
Out of the Shadows Forever
Annual Report 2008-2009
Message from the Chair and President & CEO
Michael Kirby & Michael Howlett
In May of 2006, the Senate Social Affairs Committee produced the first ever national report on mental health, Out of the Shadows at Last. One of its key recommendations was the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada to help bring into being an integrated mental health system that places people living with mental illness at its centre. Less than a year later, the federal government provided funding for the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the first meeting of the Commission’s Board took place in Calgary in September of 2007.The progress that has been made towards achieving the Commission’s mandate has been very encouraging. In the short time that we have been operational, the MHCC has set up headquarters in Calgary, with offices in Ottawa and Toronto, and has grown from two to thirty-seven staff members.
A framework has been developed for the Mental Health Strategy for Canada. Public consultations were held in 13 different cities across Canada with participation from a wide cross section of stakeholders. In addition, more than 1,700 people participated in an online survey.
The Commission is undertaking Canada’s largest ever research study on mental health and homelessness. Demonstration projects are currently being set up in five different cities, each focusing on a distinct group of homeless people living with mental illness.
Our Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative is underway and is the biggest systemic effort to reduce stigma of mental illness in Canadian history.
Both the Knowledge Exchange Centre Initiative and the Commission’s volunteer program, Partners for Mental Health, are in the planning stages.
Our eight Advisory Committees are working on 24 different projects in support of the MHCC’s primary initiatives.
The theme of this inaugural annual report is Out of the Shadows Forever. To realize that vision, there are a number of factors that are crucial to our success. The first is the necessity for the Commission to work closely with partners that have a vested interest in the success of our mission. The Commission can be a catalyst to stimulate change and innovation in the organization and delivery of mental health services and supports, but we cannot do it alone. The MHCC must also create new partnerships and engage a new generation to build a grassroots social movement to ensure that mental health issues stay out of the shadows forever. This report will give you insight into the extent of partnerships involved in the work of the Commission.
Throughout this report, you will read the stories of real people whose lives have been affected by mental illness. A common thread running through these stories is the promise of hope and the possibility of recovery. We look forward to the day when the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination directed at people living with mental illness has been significantly reduced, to the day when we have a truly seamless continuum of care that allows people living with mental disorders to find their individual paths to recovery.
This is a time for leadership, innovation and energy in mental health care across Canada. The passion and commitment that we have witnessed from countless people and organizations over the past 18 months gives us great hope and confidence for the future of the mental health system in Canada.
Thank you to our Board of Directors, Advisory Committees, our dedicated and capable staff, and all of the stakeholder organizations and individuals for your contributions to the progress that the Mental Health Commission of Canada has made to date.
Michael Kirby
MHCC Chair
Michael Howlett
MHCC President & CEO
